Small business blues

Inflation is hurting small businesses, and communities are feeling the heat

By Latoya Williams

Michigan’s economy seems to be unsteady as it attempts to bounce back from the recent tariffs and the inflation on goods. These pinches aren’t just being felt by college students but local small businesses and entrepreneurs. Those in the industry are stuck between eating up these additional costs or raising their prices to balance out the difference.

The state’s unemployment rate is around 7.7%, according to Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The rate is up from last year’s 5.9%. The county that leads the state with the highest percentage? Saginaw.

With the high rate, it’s no wonder why local shops and businesses are struggling to keep their doors open. With less money to spend and lower numbers of those bringing in consistent funds, business owners are feeling the effects.

Local mechanic Ramon Kinnard, the owner of Lite Mechanic noted how inflation has affected his business personally “The inflation is, it’s good and bad, I mean I can say that because it is just me, I work for myself, so regardless I see all profit unless I purchase those parts”

Kinnard, who inherited the business from his father, also noted that tariffs and inflation have altered his day to day functions. “Costs have gone up since 2022,” he stated. “Like, before covid someone might have come to me and said I need my brakes done and basically they were like $30 – $40 back then.”

It’s clear to anyone who speaks to Kinnard, community and family comes first. “I don’t do it for the money, I do it to keep my dad’s memory and I do it for my community.” said Kinnard.

The question of inflation was answered a little differently by local tattoo shop owner Michael “Big Mike” Rodriguez who owns Chingons in Kochville. For him and his business partner, inflation and tariffs have created problems in the shop’s day to day operation.

“The hardest part about running a business is that it’s harder than it looks,” Rodriguez noted. “Overhead, licensing and fees, then you add in the cost of ink and tattoo guns and everything to ship here. The pay might not be there all the time, but it is still rewarding.”

Like Kinnard, Rodriguez does what he does for the people and for the community. They know that what they do will leave an impression on those they work with, no matter the cost.

“I do a lot to support the community.” Rodriguez stated. “Every Halloween we throw a trunk-or-treat in our parking lot. We provide all the candy, food, entertainment and we even have bouncy houses for the kids.”

Leaders of the country have stated that inflation has gone down and is no longer affecting Americans, however after interviewing locals from the community, it leaves communities wondering who’s telling the truth.